TOP SHELF

This is going to be the most entertaining country music event of 2019 … like EMMYs-worthy stuff here … ABC announced the “Brad Paisley THINKS HE’s Special” featuring a who’s who of some of today’s most prominent cultural superstars including Peyton Manning, The Jonas Brothers, Tim McGraw, Hootie & The Blowfish, Chris Harrison, Kelsea Ballerini & Carrie Underwood. Really gonna be something to see Brad & Carrie do their thing together for this special. From what I’ve been hearing, I think this is going to be one of the funniest hours of television we’ve seen in a while. Brad’s got some really amazing things in store for this special – all shot in Nashville btw. As a fan of Paisley, I’m just really excited he’s getting this chance to star in his own special that brings his unique brand of comedy to the forefront. Brad’s on quite a role between this network television special and the scripted comedy he just got green-lit by Amazon!

WITH YOUR HAIR-OF-THE-DOG

HOUSE PLAYLIST

Check out the very latest hits from your favorite country music artists with the Morning Hangover’s #Latest playlist on Spotify feat new music from Justin Moore, Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, Kelsea Ballerini, Brett Kissel, Little Big Town & more!

FRONT OF THE HOUSE

The Grand Ole Opry® celebrated the 30th anniversary of Country Cares for St. Jude Kids® during a special show tonight as part of the Opry’s series of fall Wednesday shows that will run through October 30th. Artist performances included Bobby Bones, Chris Janson, Dailey & Vincent, High Valley, Jeannie Seely, Michael Ray and Mickey Guyton.Throughout the show, photos and videos of inspirational moments from Country Cares for St. Jude Kids® were shared and a St. Jude patient, Kaelyn, served as a special guest announcer. Kaelyn, now in remission and a sophomore from Roane County, Tennessee, was diagnosed in 2009 with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a type of blood cancer. She underwent two-and-a-half years of chemotherapy and responded well to treatment at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Her cancer went in to remission. Now, out of treatment, Kaelyn visits St. Jude for regular checkups. The evening also included a poignant performance by Michael Ray of Alabama’s hit “Angels Among Us” in honor of the group’s frontman Randy Owen, who, 30 years ago, founded Country Cares For St. Jude Kids® which has raised over $800 million to support the lifesaving mission of St. Jude: Finding cures. Saving children.®

TAILGATE WATCH

BAR TALK

Launched as part of Luminary’s fall podcast line-up and produced by Believe Entertainment Group, “Vocal Point with Martina McBride” is set for premiere on Friday, September 27th. For the premiere episode of “Vocal Point with Martina McBride,” McBride sits down with longtime friend Garth Brooks, for a candid conversation on life in the limelight and how he has navigated fame and his impactful career. Other guests throughout the season include Lauren Alaina, Pam Tillis, Dustin Lynch, Rosanne Cash, Sara Evans, Don Was, Brenda Lee, Runaway June, Howie Mandel and Loretta Lynn.

NEAT

Kenny Chesney has been named 2020’s Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) Artist Humanitarian Award recipient. KC will receive the award, sponsored by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, on Wednesday, Feb. 19th as part of the 2nd Annual Warner Music Nashville (WMN) Kickoff Luncheon, which serves as the official launch of Country Radio Seminar 2020. In addition, the Blue Chair/Warner Music Nashville recording artist headlines this year’s Kickoff Luncheon, where the songwriter/superstar will be joined by several artists from the Warner Music Nashville (WMN) family.

BACKSTAGE PASS

Travis Wolfe has joined WME as an agent in Nashville. In his role, he will focus on booking the agency’s country and comedy clients for private and corporate events.